🚨 Calling all Marion County Residents! 🚨

Get ready for the Marion County Emergency PreParedness EXPO – an essential event for everyone in our community, especially those with disabilities, to ensure we’re prepared for any emergency! This FREE expo brings together a wealth of resources, vendors, and speakers dedicated to equipping us with the knowledge and tools we need to stay safe and resilient.

From expert speakers sharing valuable insights to interactive demonstrations and access to a diverse array of vendors, there’s something for everyone at this expo. Whether it’s crafting a personalized emergency plan or learning essential survival skills, this event has you covered. Sign language interpretation will be available.

Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: College of Central Florida, Ewers Century Center
3001 SW College Rd., Ocala, FL 34474

REGISTER HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/emergency-preparedness-expo-for-people-with-disabilities-in-marion-county-tickets-688161990037

For more information about the event, please email Kevin Towles at ktowles@cilncf.org or call (352) 368 – 3788

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🚨 Attention Alachua County Residents! 🚨

Mark your calendars for the upcoming Alachua County Emergency PreParedness EXPO! This FREE event is designed to equip everyone in our community, especially those with disabilities, with the knowledge and resources needed to tackle any emergency situation.

Join us for a day filled with valuable information, interactive sessions, and access to a diverse range of vendors and speakers dedicated to emergency preparedness. Whether it’s creating a personalized emergency plan or learning essential survival skills, there’s something for everyone at this expo. Sign language interpretation will be available.

Date: Thursday, March 14, 2024
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Senior Recreation Center
5701 NW 34th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32653

REGISTER HERE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/emergency-preparedness-expo-for-people-with-disabilities-in-alachua-county-registration-718046706027

For more information about the event, please email Kevin Towles at ktowles@cilncf.org or call (352) 368 – 3788

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Join us for a fun Valentine’s Party at CILNCF! Enjoy a delightful evening filled with crafts, puzzles, and games specially curated for our wonderful consumers. Bring your friends and family to share in the joy of togetherness.

📅 Save the Date: Saturday, February 10th
🕓 Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Location: CIL Gainesville | 222 SW 36th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32607

Have questions? Email Ashlyn Michael at: amichael@cilncf.org or call (352) 378 – 7474 ext. 2056

Join us for a FREE Presentation brought to you by Triple S Mobility and the FAAST Program.

Date: Friday, January 19th
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: The Center for Independent Living
2760 SE 17th Street, Suite 300, Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 368-3788

🔍 What to expect:
✅ Insights into vehicle navigation technology
✅ Tips for enhanced mobility
✅ Learn about modified vehicles

Whether you’re seeking independence or supporting a loved one, this event is a must-attend!

For questions, contact Brandon Palermo:
(352) 368-3788 ext. 1012
bpalermo@cilncf.org

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On this powerful day, let’s reflect on Dr. King’s timeless words. As a center for disability, we stand united in the fight against injustice. Inclusion, accessibility, and equality are not just words for us; they are our guiding principles.

Let’s continue working together to create a world where justice prevails, where every voice is heard, and where inclusivity knows no bounds. Today, we honor a legacy of courage and determination, and we pledge to keep the flame of equality burning bright.

Protect yourself and your family with seasonal vaccines.

There will be an accessible vaccine clinic on January 18th. Flu shots will be available and FREE! 
Even better, the first 20 people who get a vaccine will get a $10 gift card! 

Interpreters will be on-site. For any other accommodation requests, email eberndt@cilncf.org or call (352) 378 – 7474; Video Phone (352) 240-3079.

See you there!

The year got away from us before we could send these wishes! Please join us in saying a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to CIL staff members who celebrated birthdays in December! We hope you all had festive and fun birthdays celebrating YOU during the holiday season!

Holly – December 17th
Ashlyn – December 18th

Last month our awesome CIL staff gathered together to celebrate the holiday season during our Annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon! Everyone had a blast participating in a variety of holiday activities as well as playing a very festive game of White Elephant. This year, we went back to having a potluck lunch, where everyone contributed and cooked (or bought, lol!) their own savory side dishes and delectable desserts for all to enjoy! Staff also supported their fellow team members who achieved their milestone awards this year, and we were happy to see a few of our CIL board members join us for lunch and share in the holiday cheer. It was a wonderful day of celebrating each other and taking a much-deserved break from work to just relax and have fun! We are proud of all that we accomplished this past year, and look forward to all that is to come in 2024!

ID: Video collage of pictures taken of CIL staff and atmosphere during White Elephant, holiday activities, enjoying the buffet lunch and presentations.

During our Staff Appreciation Luncheon last month, we had a wonderful time honoring our team members who achieved specific work anniversary milestones of 5, 10 and 15 years! This past year, we had four staff members to celebrate and they are listed below.

Please join us in saying a huge congratulations to all!

Sophia Kitchen, Sign Language Interpreter – 15 years!
Christie King, Gainesville Office Receptionist and Data Entry Specialist – 10 years!
Patty McElroy, Bookkeeping Assistant – 10 years!
Kim Moffitt, Sign Language Interpreting Assistant – 5 years!

Thank you all so much for your dedication and commitment throughout the years. You have made a huge difference in the lives of people with disabilities, and we are so grateful that you continue to be valued members of our CIL family. We appreciate all that you do for the CIL, our community and our consumers!

ID: First picture is Kim holding up her award (left) and her supervisor Colette (right). Second picture is supervisor Alex (left) and Christie holding up her award (right). Third picture is of Colette speaking about Sophia and Patty, who were unable to attend the luncheon, and the amazing work that they do.

As we bid farewell to 2023 and embrace the possibilities of a brand new year, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to each and every one of you who has been a part of our incredible journey in advocating for people with disabilities. This past year we achieved remarkable milestones in our pursuit of equality, inclusion, and unity. From breaking down barriers to fostering understanding, your support has been the driving force behind every positive change we’ve witnessed.

As we step into 2024, we are filled with excitement and hope for what lies ahead. This year holds the promise of continued progress, advocacy, and transformative strides towards a more accessible and inclusive world for all. Thank you for being an integral part of our community. Your support is the catalyst for change, and together, we will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those with disabilities.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year filled with love, joy, and opportunities for growth!